Meat Hygiene Service stike may hit livestock farms

Livestock farmers have been warned there could be disruption next week as Meat Hygiene Service staff belonging to UNISON have given notice of a three day strike from Tuesday 2 to Thursday 4 December.

EBLEX and BPEX are advising farmers to check their normal outlets before marketing finished stock for slaughter next week.EBLEX Senior Regional Manager, Nick Allen, said: "With a possible shortage of MHS staff, some abattoirs may choose not to operate during the strike and may increase throughputs on other days."Farmers should be aware that there may be fluctuations in demand for their cattle and sheep during the week and should make sure they get the best advice from their normal market or meat plant on when to supply animals."

BPEX Strategy Co-ordinator Andrew Knowles said: "It would be sensible for pig producers to have some contingency plans in place as the normal production cycle could be disrupted."The Meat Hygiene Service has already said it has plans in place to ensure meat production will not be seriously disrupted.